Caring for Your Car: Transmission Maintenance

Angel’s Transmission & Auto Repair has gathered these transmission maintenance tips to properly care for your car’s transmission. Whether you drive a vehicle with manual or automatic transmission, you have one thing in common with everyone else on the road: your engine will only work according to what the transmission allows to happen.

Check Transmission Fluid Periodically

It may not be as routine as changing oil, but transmission fluid needs to be checked periodically and changed on occasionally. Refer to your car’s manual for maintenance schedule, although it’s based on controlled conditions for testing in the engineer’s lab. Expert auto mechanic or transmission specialist understands local weather conditions and altitude, and can provide better advice adaptable local situation .

Use the Right Type of Auto Transmission Fluid

To ensure you’re using the right type of auto transmission fluid, check your vehicle’s owner’s manual. It indicates which type of fluid the manufacturer recommends for your vehicle that can either be Dextron or Mercon transmission fluid. Recommendation for the right type of fluid can also be found on the dipstick. Both are reliable resources for determining the correct type of transmission fluid. To avoid costly transmission repair and keep your car safe, choose the right transmission fluid.

Flush Transmission Fluid Regularly

Transmission flush is a maintenance service wherein transmission fluid is removed and cleaning solution is run through it to drain debris and grime before it is filled up with fresh new fluid. This is important to the care and maintenance of vehicles and must be done properly to prevent transmission problems. For proper maintenance schedule, refer to your vehicle manual.

Repair Clutch

Clutch separates the engine from the wheels. It allows changing of gears and brings a car to a complete stop while the engine continuously runs. Clutches are made to last between 50,000 to 100,000 miles. It also depends how you drive, how often you drive and where you drive. Clutches wear out with over time and it tends to wear out much quicker for cars that are driven in a city with lots of traffic lights compared to those driven in the country. If you’re experiencing signs that your clutch is going out, it may be time for a clutch repair or replacement.

Don’t Shift Gears While Car is Moving

There are some drivers who tend to shift gears even as the car is still in motion. Changing gears while the car is still moving can strain and damage the transmission. Bring your car to a complete stop before changing gears from drive to parking or reverse or vice-versa.

Change Transmission Filter

Depending on the model or make, cars with automatic transmission may have a filter that needs to be changed each time your get your car transmission flushed. Newer cars don’t have transmission filters.

Inspect Transmission Periodically

It is imperative that you have your transmission inspected once a year for any damage, irregularities and leaks. Part of this is also having your transmission fluid checked for level, color and smell as preventative maintenance.

Py close attention to your car’s performance and if you notice it is not working properly, have it checked by qualified transmission experts before it breaks down. Angel’s Transmission & Auto Repair in Mission Viejo has a team of certified and experienced auto technicians to handle everything from automatic/manual transmission repair or rebuilding to coolant flush, brakes and other auto repair services for a complete car care needs. We serve the Orange County communities of Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Foothill Ranch, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Rancho Santo Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Tustin, and Trabuco Canyon. To have your transmission checked Angel’s Transmission & Auto Repair at (949) 587-9060 for more info.

Need a Replacement Transmission in Mission Viejo?

Get an estimate from Angel’s Transmission & Auto Repair for transmission repair and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.